Page 75 of One True Mate

My father sighed, “I understand the position you're in, but I don't know how to help. I've talked to the pup too. I can see he isn't ready. Hell, anyone can. That pup doesn't have an ounce of alpha in him and he chooses to go against Kyle? It doesn't make sense.”

Morris chuckled a sad little sound, “His father was my second. Died in an attack just last year. Pup's always been a runt out to prove himself, but apparently, your Kelsey ran into him the other day and was kind to him.” Morris rolled his eyes. “She's all that boy talked about since. Bad case of puppy love there.”

I smiled. Who could blame the pup for that?

“Morris,” I interrupted, “look, I don't want to fight this pup, but I'm not about to just hand him my mate either. Look, I'll do what I can to spare his life, but I can only do so much in there. I will defend myself. If he persists in attacking there's nothing I can do. I won't pull back just to save him, but if he concedes I will spare him, and if it is in my power to save him once I'm declared victor, I will. But that's as much as I can give you.”

The older wolf bowed his head to me in gratitude. “That is more than I deserved to ask of you, Kyle. Thank you.”

I nodded back to him. He shook hands with Dad and left.

“You showed much grace and diplomacy just then, son.” He smiled proudly. “You will make a fine Pack Alpha someday.”

“Not someday too soon I hope.” I joked, embarrassed by his high praise.

“Are you ready for tonight?”

I shrugged. “Ready as I'll ever be, I suppose.”

He nodded. “How about Kelsey? Does she know yet?”

“Yes. I was having lunch with her and the girls,” I added when he eyed me suspiciously, “when you called.”

“How's she holding up with everything?”

“Good, I think. I think she's more concerned with my challenges than fearing anymore against her.”

Dad smiled, “Yes, that sounds about right and as it should. She's a fine mate for you, Kyle. In all of this craziness I'm not sure I've actually said that, but I like Kelsey immensely. Your combined powers will make you strong and keep the pack safe, but you must never let your guard down and show them.”

I understood the gravity in his subtle warning.

“Uh, thanks. Hey, you called me here, was there something you needed?”

“Oh, I think you're good. Was just going to discuss tonight's challenge. See if you had any questions or concerns and warn you about the pup you're up against.”

“Yeah, this sucks. I won't lie and say I'm not happy about an easy challenge, especially with O'Connell and Andon later this week, but I don't want to hurt this kid either.”

“I know, Son, but the law's the law and the Grand Council's law surrounding challenge are very specific and not negotiable.”

I left Dad's house with that thought heavy on my mind. Without even considering where I was headed I found myself walking back into work. To her.

I stood there outside the door into my office suite, just staring at her. She was so beautiful. I carefully closed our connection through the bond, as we both had learned to do, for a bit of privacy and just watched her. My mate. The most precious person in my life and I would do absolutely anything for her.

As she stood and walked to the filing cabinet I admired her slender long legs that seemed to go on for miles before reaching the bottom of the skirt that fit to her backside like a glove. She was professional in the office and this was no different in a charcoal gray women's suit. If only she knew what those short skirts of her suits did to me. I was admiring her behind, lost in thought when she shook her butt a little too noticeably.

“You gonna stand there staring all day?”

I think I may have blushed a little. Busted ogling my mate.

“Not if you plan on staying in that position much longer.”

She yelped and whipped around quickly, her eyes wide and red creeping up her neck. It was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. I wanted desperately to go to her, but instead headed for my office. Holding the door open I motioned for her to enter.

“You know when you do that bond shutting down thing right now with everything going on that it just freaks me out thinking something's wrong.” She scolded. “Lucky for you I smelled you long before you decided to camp outside my door.”

I turned her to face me. “You talk too much.” I said before crushing my lips to hers. She sighed against me, and the stress of the day melted away and I just held her.

“You ready for tonight?” She asked breaking our perfect silence.

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